Among the several native bee species that showed up to forage for pollen and nectar in our yard this summer was the Urbane Digger bee, Anthophora urbana. The first individual I observed was working the flowers on a couple of large Cleveland Sage (Salvia clevelandii) shrubs that I planted three years ago. Cleveland Sage is… Continue reading Urbane Digger Bee and Sleeping on Flowers
Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
A Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) feeds on Black Sage (Salvia mellifera) flowers in Sapwi Trails Community Park in Thousand Oaks, California.
Blainville’s Horned Lizard on the Meadow Vista Trail
Last Saturday my sister Roxanne and I hiked a loop on trails in the Lang Ranch and Woodridge open space. As has become my habit, I took photos of wildflowers. While walking down the Meadow Vista trail, my sister heard a rustling sound and turned to spot an unusual creature trying to hide in a… Continue reading Blainville’s Horned Lizard on the Meadow Vista Trail
White-lined Sphinx Moth
On a recent hike with a friend, Silvia, we came across a late instar of a White-lined Sphinx (Hyles lineata) caterpillar that was probably looking for another plant to consume followed by a good place to pupate. Silvia nick-named him Gilberto. The color and markings of this moth’s larvae varies. All the individuals I have… Continue reading White-lined Sphinx Moth